Geographic Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems

Program Description

Imagine being able to identify and help stop the spread of epidemics or understand the growth characteristics of civilizations. Geographic Information Systems is a hot new enabler to understanding those and many other issues — past and present. AUM has one of the few undergraduate programs in GIS, one of the fastest growing fields in the nation. Business, government, and industry have an increasing need for technicians who can turn complex spatial and geographic data into a more easily manipulated digital format. At AUM, you’ll master skills in computers and cartography that will allow you to collect and analyze the data so much in demand. In addition to its undergraduate degree, AUM also offers a GIS certificate for those who already have a bachelor’s degree in some other discipline.

Points of Pride

The Geospatial Research Institute is a lab with the necessary software and equipment for capturing and analyzing spatial date. Its services are available to business and government and provide opportunities for work in the field for undergraduates.

AUM's program was one of four academic GIS programs in the U.S. was chosen to assist with rescue relief in the 2011 Japanese tsunami.

We’re home to the test program for one of the two major producers of GIS software in the U.S.

The program hosts the state of Alabama’s “GIS Day.”

Put Your Degree to Work

Note: While salaries vary depending on several factors including your level of experience, education and training, and geography and industry, here is a sampling of the future job growth and salaries in this area.

A GIS degree will equip you for a job in a rapidly expanding field with higher-than-average salaries. Job growth for Cartographers and Photogrammetrists is projected to be 29% from 2014 to 2024 —much higher than average. The 2015 median annual wage was $61,880, which was higher than the average median wage of all occupations. Job growth will be driven by increasing use of geospatial data.

U.S Bureau of Labor statistic sample

Jobs

Median Pay

Job Growth through 2024

Geoscientists

$89,910 per year

10% (3,800 more jobs)

Survey Researchers

$49,760 per year

12% (1,900 more jobs)

Urban/regional planner

$66,940 per year

6% (2,400 more jobs)

For More Information

Program Overview

The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online catalog AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the core curriculum courses required for all majors and may not include some program-specific information, such as admissions, retention and termination standards.

Course sampling specific to the GIS program includes:

Course #

Course Name

Course Description

GEOG 4965

Spatial Statistics for GIS

This course informs the students on methods and theory for quantitative analysis within the GIS environment. The statistical methods taught in this course will enable the student to characterize geo-spatial distributions of geographic features and entities and verify casual relationships.

GEOG 3940

Cartography w/Lab

This course is an introduction to mapping sciences and arts. Topics covered include the basics in mapping (scale, spatial reference systems, and projections), data acquisition and organization, key techniques for thematic mapping, and the principles of cartographic abstraction and design.

This is the capstone course for students seeking certification in GIS. The course provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate knowledge derived from four basic courses in GIS. Under faculty supervision, students design and carry out a major research project that incorporates topics relating to the history, philosophy, and science of spatial analysis.

GEOG 4960

Remote Sensing & GPS Apps GIS/Lab

This course is an introduction to remote sensing technology. Lectures and lab exercises cover the basic theoretical and technical aspects of various remote sensing platforms and their integration with SPS and GIS to facilitate accurate characterization of the Earth's physical and human environment.

GEOG 4200

Urban Geography

The location, character and growth of urban centers with special attention to their interior patterns of land use and cultural development. Prerequisite GEOG 2010 or GEOG 2150.

GEOG 2010

Principles of Physical Geography

Study of the basic physical elements of geography, including climate, lithology, landforms, water resources, soils and natural vegetation.

GEOG 2250

Economic Geography

Investigates the principles of economic geography through the interaction of man and his habitat with emphasis on economic types, food products, minerals, power resources and trade patterns.